EIQuilter

Of course, we all think ours is the best - that's why we chose it! I agree with what others have said in that it depends on the amount of space you have and how comfortable YOU are with the machine. I'd definitely recommend getting one with a stitch regulator, and I love my automatic fabric advance, but the bottom line is that you have to feel that the machine is good for you. You want the handle position to be comfortable (or able to be adjusted to it is) and you don't want the machine to be so heavy you feel like you have to manhandle it to get it to move.

Try to narrow it down to two or three, compare prices, and then spend some more time on each of them. You'll know if it's the right one.

Incidentally, my dealer isn't close by, so I don't get on-site service, but they often can tell what the problem is from the description and by listening to the machine over the phone. Seldom does the machine have to be sent in for service - they're able to talk you through the repair while you're on the phone!

Jennie and Me

Go with whatever is good for you. I have an APQS Millinnium with a 14 foot table and love it. Their customer service is great. Do try them all and see which one you fall in love with and congrats, you have a fun time ahead of you..enjoy it.

dunster

I agree with EIQuilter that having a dealer close by doesn't seem to matter much with longarms, and I wouldn't make my decision based on that. I think all the major brands give some free classes when you first buy, and after that there are lots of online classes, quilt show classes, etc. I also recommend getting a stitch regulator. Whether you need some of the other options (fabric advance, automatic channel locks, etc.) depends on the machine you select, what kind of quilting you plan to do, and your physical condition, among other things.

whinnytoo

I love my Nolting,,,, simple and easy to use, Trouble free, and the customer support is awesome.

brushandthimble

I love my handiquilter and would buy again in a heartbeat. Like mentioned above, we each love the one we have:)

simplyme

I tried them all at quilt fest last year. I went back to Handy Quilter 4 times. It was the one I bought. But it is like a car. you need to get the one that fits you best. Make sure you have enought room for the table they take up a lot of room. I love mine and would buy it again in a minute.

luvspaper

I second Handiquilter (although I got the sit down model that is more like an extended sewing machine).....

But I agree with test driving as many as you can first!

lfstamper

My friend has a statler and absolutely loves it!

Sandynorm

Definately test drive, I also rented some time at a local shop, then fell in love. I chose a handiquilter, love the service from my local shop. I was also able to afford it sooner as I got a basic machine then added a stitch regulator a year later.

ecmoore

I test drove a TON, first of all. Then I asked every single longarmer-for-hire in my area that I could get a hold of what they liked, what they didn't like, and whether they'd buy that machine again if presented the opportunity. I was amazed by the consistency of opinions I got in my area - all of them told me that they'd get an APQS Millenium. So after a long chat with the dealer, and trying out every kind of machine I could (Some didn't have dealers in Canada, which was a shame), I went with that one. I love it.